The Interview

The Interview Now Available on XBox, YouTube, and an Independent Theater Near You

Spoiler alert: The actual ending of The Interview is not nearly as surprising or full of twists as what has happened to bring the movie to audiences today.

In addition to the independent theaters around the country that will be screening the Seth Rogen/James Franco comedy beginning Christmas Day, Sony has made the film available on a series of digital platforms; for a $5.99 rental or $14.99 purchase you can see the film on YouTube, Google Play, XBox and at www.seetheinterview.com beginning at 1 p.m. EST today, Christmas Eve.

According to Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton, the studio began reaching out to Google, Microsoft, and other digital distribution platforms last Wednesday, the day that they pulled the film from a traditional theatrical release after threats of violence, allegedly from the group that hacked Sony Pictures. Though the circumstances surrounding The Interview are highly unusual, Sony is now setting a fascinating precedent for the use of VOD platforms by major studios—most of whom have avoided this exact kind of day-and-date digital release to avoid burning bridges with theater owners. The results from this last-minute release strategy for The Inteview, and how it might encourage other studios to embrace digital platforms, will be fascinating to watch in coming months.

At the very least, President Obama is happy with the decision. “The president applauds Sony’s decision to authorize screenings of the film,” the White House said in a statement. “As the president made clear, we’re a country that believes in free speech and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theaters allows people to make their own choices about the film and we welcome that outcome.”